If you're disappointed with today's best models of all-season tires, you'll be particularly impressed by the eMembrane Tire. In many parts of the world, it's frustrating to change over your wheels twice a year, but this system can alter shape instantly and without effort.
Oh Ho Kyung and Scott Lenkowsky worked on this concept for the Hankook Tire Company, earning a 2013 Red Dot Design Award. Behind the highly grippable urethane material is a shape-memory alloy that can make the circumference of the wheels either flat or concave. When the treads are level, more traction is afforded. This is ideal for dynamic performance driving. When the eMembrane Tire is sucked in, the road contact is lessened, making low-speed urban driving more fuel efficient.
Shape-Shifting Car Tires
The eMembrane Tire Adapts Efficiently to the Present Driving Conditions
Trend Themes
1. Adaptable Tires - The eMembrane Tire demonstrates the trend of tires that can alter their shape to adapt to different driving conditions.
2. Shape-memory Technology - The use of shape-memory alloy in the eMembrane Tire showcases the trend of materials that can change their shape based on external stimuli.
3. Efficiency in Performance - The eMembrane Tire highlights the trend of tires designed for optimal performance and efficiency in both dynamic and low-speed driving.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive - The automotive industry can leverage the technology behind shape-shifting tires to enhance vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.
2. Tire Manufacturing - The tire manufacturing industry has the opportunity to innovate by incorporating shape-memory alloys into tire designs.
3. Alternative Transportation - The alternative transportation industry can benefit from the development of adaptable tires that can improve efficiency and performance in various modes of transportation.